SubscribeNavy Chain of Command
The first mistake many people make is to refer to the hierarchical structure of the Navy as being a ‘rank’ structure, in actual fact the correct term is ‘rate.’ If that is not confusing enough, there is the additional complication of an individual rate’s ‘rating’ or specialty. So for example a Petty Officer First Class is his rate, but his rating could be as a Boatswain’s Mate.There are ten rates of enlisted sailors in the US Navy and they are: Seaman Recruit, Seaman Apprentice, Seaman, Petty Officer Third Class, Petty Officer Second Class, Petty Officer First Class, Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Officers of course make it even more confusing as they wear their rank (and it is called rank for officers) in different places on their uniform depending on what they are wearing. Khakis have pins on the collar, whites have stripes on the shoulder boards, and blues have stripes sewn onto the lower sleeve.
Officers are split into two categories, Line Officers and Staff Corps Officers, who have specific specialties such as physicians, lawyers, and civil engineers.
The Officer Chain of Command goes as follows: Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Rear Admiral (lower half), Rear Admiral (upper half), Vice Admiral, Admiral, and Fleet Admiral.
As with the other services, it is important to remember that this is the rank structure, which is not necessarily the same as the chain of command. The chain of command is more akin to a ‘line management’ system in a commercial company. Yes, the Admirals are more senior than the Lieutenants, but they may not actually be in command of them, if they work in a different unit or part of the organization.
Everyone has a commander and other senior ranks would not normally give orders to junior ranks or rates without consulting their commander, it is seen as bad form. The bottom line in the military is you do as you are told by the person that writes your annual report, as it is your report that determines your future; your report will most likely be written by your commander. Respect by all, for all, but make sure you know your chain of command it is important.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Actually, this is not quite true. I am a Navy Veteran, I come from a family with many Navy Veterans, some of whom served to retirement. My husband is also Active Duty Navy, retirement eligible himself. All of us except one served or is serving as an Enlisted Sailor.
Believe me when I say yes, rate does pertain to your job specialty, but rank does, in fact, refer to your pay grade. Not only was this taught to Sailors, but you see it on every form that you fill out for the military, when it asks for the Sponsors rate/rank.
Other than this, excellent information and great advise